WordGarden.iopermissible
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /pəmˈɪsəbəl/
US
- /pərˈmɪsəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
allowed by rules, law, or accepted standards
Beyond the definition
Something that's permissible is allowed - it fits within the rules or guidelines. Think of it like a green light. If you ask your teacher if you can listen to music while studying, and they say "yes," then listening to music becomes permissible. It's not just about being able to do something; it's about having permission to do it. A permissible level of sugar in food means the amount is within safe limits set by health authorities. Sometimes, what's permissible changes depending on who you ask - your parents might have different rules from your friends.
The word permissible describes something that is allowed or acceptable according to a particular rule, law, or standard. It implies that there's a system in place, whether formal like legal regulations or informal like household rules, that determines what's okay and what isn't. For example, "Smoking is not permissible inside the building" means it's against the rules, and you could face consequences if you do it.
Permissible often appears in contexts involving boundaries and limitations. A doctor might say a certain activity level is permissible after surgery, meaning it won't slow your recovery. In accounting, "permissible expenses" are those that can be legally claimed on taxes. It's more than just being possible; it's about being within the bounds of what is authorized or approved.
The concept of permissibility is often relative - what's permissible in one culture or situation might not be in another. A certain level of noise might be permissible during a concert, but not in a library.
So, when you hear "permissible," think about rules, boundaries, and the idea that something has been given the okay - it's within the allowed limits and won't get you into trouble.
Examples
- 1
Library rules
Is it permissible to bring food into the library?
- 2
Exam rules
Phones are not permissible during the exam.
- 3
Contract terms
The contract says short delays are permissible under certain conditions.
- Patternpermissible under + condition
accepted by a rule, law, or agreement
- 4
Legal limits
The factory must keep noise below the maximum permissible level.
- Phrasemaximum permissible level
the highest level a rule allows
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Office dress
In some offices, jeans are permissible on Fridays but not for client meetings.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- legally permissible
- permissible under the rules
- maximum permissible level
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- permissibleadjective